There are endless options for both indoor and outdoor play spaces in the Fargo-Moorhead. However, many are more appropriate for elementary-aged children, rather than toddlers and preschoolers.
Since my child became mobile, I have been on a quest to identify the area’s safest places (outside our own home) for free play.
What is Free Play?
Free play, or unstructured play, is play done by children that has no:
- Guidance
- Instruction
- Agenda
- Learning objectives
While an adult may decide the location, the child determines how they spend their time playing.
They may choose to play with others, or to play independently.
They may choose to do something physical, imaginative, or creative.
Kids may focus on the same activity for some time, or to switch from one to another quickly.
In unstructured free play, children are in control.
As a toddler mom, I look for spaces that offer my son opportunities to pretend, run, climb, and socialize without my direct involvement.
Ideally, the space is enclosed and provides clear views so that I can sit along the sidelines and watch from afar until my assistance — or intervention — is needed.
Our typical week includes at least one visit to a free play space, and recently we have identified our favorites.
Spots for Free Play in Fargo
1. Moorhead Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
Since my son was six months old, we have enrolled him in a weekly early childhood education class (ECFE) at the Moorhead Area Public Schools Vista Center for Education. This is, by far, the highlight of our week.
Classes are available for children from birth to kindergarten entry.
Most classes meet for an hour and 45 minutes and are led by a licensed early childhood educator and a licensed parent educator.
The first 45 minutes is designated playtime, where children can explore the classroom’s many stations (sensory table, craft table, dress up, pretend play, and various age-appropriate toys) or out in the “gym” space, which has soccer nets, basketball hoops, slides, balance beams, racetracks, and building stations.
The next 15 minutes is circle time, where children and their accompanying adults sit together in the classroom to sing, read, or dance.
After a break to wash hands, children settle down for a small snack while their parent/guardian separates into a nearby classroom for a lesson in child development and small group discussion.
If a child struggles with separation, parents/guardians are welcome to stay in the classroom with their child. Otherwise, the children have additional opportunities to socialize, learn, and play freely amongst their peers and the educators.
Tip: Fees vary based on the course length and the family’s home school district (Moorhead families receive a small discount), but scholarships are available.
2. Rustad Recreation Center Playground
The indoor playground at the Rustad Recreation Center has become a staple in our weekly schedule, particularly when the weather is cold and dreary.
There is no shortage of features in this indoor play space. There is a primary playground structure, a secondary playground structure for younger toddlers, sound making panels, game panels, and a group rocker.
The playground is in an entirely enclosed space, allowing children to run freely across the rubber base from feature-to-feature.
Initially, the playground itself looks daunting, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the structure has railings, slides, and steps at all the appropriate places, leaving very few areas for possible falls.
As an added safety feature, the primary structure is a complete circle, allowing supervising adults to observe and follow children.
Admission to the playground is $5 per child over the age of two; children under two and supervising adults are free of charge. A punch card is also available for purchase at $40 for ten visits.
Tip: We’ve noticed the busiest times at the playground are mid-morning and non-school days. If you want ample playmates for your child, visit during these times. If you’re looking for a quieter time, have an early lunch before arriving around 12:00 p.m.
3. Fargo Park District’s North Softball Complex
The North Softball Complex offers a unique play environment with multiple shaded playgrounds, restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking lots.
We’ve spent time on the playground between fields #14 – 18 and appreciate the shade awning and rubber bottom of the place space. Everything in this playground, including the height of the swings and ladders, are conducive for a toddler.
Tip: The playgrounds are open during events, as well as during the business day in the summer. If you arrive and the fences are closed and the playgrounds are inaccessible, call the Fargo Park District at (701) 499-6060 or inquire with the maintenance staff on site.
4. Fargo Park District’s Timber Creek Park
Timber Creek Park has a swing set and two playgrounds, one geared toward children ages two to five and the other for children ages five to 12. However, as a two-year-old, my son had no difficulties navigating the playground for the older kids as it has railings, slides, and ladders at appropriate heights.
This is one of the few outdoor parks where I have felt comfortable allowing my toddler time to roam and play on his own without following closely behind him.
Unfortunately, this park lacks dedicated parking spaces or a parking lot. When visiting, find a spot to park in the residential area across the street to the east of the park. Be sure to check for “No Parking” signs, not all streets allow parking.
Tip: The park lacks a restroom, drinking fountain, and shade; prior to leaving home, use the restroom and pack sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and hats.
5. Fargo Public Library’s Wiggle Room
The Wiggle Room is an indoor play space for children up to six years old, located within the Fargo Public Library’s Children’s Department on the first floor.
While our previous recommendations offer extensive physical activity, the Wiggle Room does not. Instead, it is the perfect place for children to engage in pretend play. There are bins filled with building materials, animals, and books, as well as a play storefront with food. Flexible seating is available for children and a large, padded bench runs the length of one wall for the required supervising adults.
Near the Wiggle Room is a family restroom with a changing table, and thousands of children’s books for various reading levels.
In addition to nearby street parking, a parking lot on the north side of the library is free for library visitors.
Tip: Pair a trip to the Wiggle Room with a story time session.
Other Great Spots for Free Play
